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The Panda's Shadow
Giant pandas, of course, are not the only animals affected by the disappearance of China's woodlands and forests. Many other species reside in these areas, and they, too, are under increasing pressure. Protecting an area for pandas, however, also helps other species living in the same place. Thus the giant panda becomes a "flagship species"
-- one whose conservation has direct implications for other species as well. Here are four other species that are under threat. They share the Wolong Reserve with the giant panda.
Snow Leopard Uncia uncia
This rare and celebrated cat lives high in the mountains of China, Russia, and Tibet, at altitudes between 10,000 and 20,000 feet. It is covered with two layers of thick fur -- a stiff long coat on the outside and a soft woolly undercoat next to the skin. Unfortunately for the leopard, people have long treasured its beautiful coat. It is estimated that there are fewer than 10,000 snow leopards left in the wild.
Golden Monkey Rhinopithecus roxellanae
Often described as "the most beautiful monkey in the world," these appealing primates have long, thick, golden fur and distinctive blue faces. They live in oak and chestnut forests, subsisting on leaves and wild fruits. It is estimated that fewer than 15,000 golden monkeys survive in the wild.
Chinese Monal Lophophorus lhuysii
Monals are pheasants that live in the bushy grasslands of China's southwestern mountains. They are striking birds, with beautiful feathers of iridescent blue, green, and copper. Like the golden monkey, the Chinese monal is considered to be a vulnerable species at some risk of extinction in the wild.
Temminck's Tragopan Tragopan temminckii
Tragopans are among the world's most spectacular birds. Males have vivid red, black, and white plumage, accented with sapphire blue. During courting displays, fleshy horns rise from the male's head, and a red and blue bib extends over his chest. This and other tragopan species are considered to be at risk, but they are still eagerly hunted for their feathers.
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